Optimizing Water Quality in Dead-Ends of Water Distribution Networks Using Passive Control Methods: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Predictive Modeling Study

Dead-ends are points in water distribution networks (WDNs) where water flow is almost stagnant, leading to pipe corrosion and microbial growth, which degrade water quality. Controlling the contaminant dispersion in dead-ends is crucial for maintaining water quality. This research examined the use of passive control methods, specifically leading-edge spoilers, to improve water quality in dead-ends of WDNs. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate and analyze the effect of spoilers on fluid flow and contaminant dispersion under different flow conditions. The results showed that spoilers significantly reduced contaminant concentrations and sped up water quality restoration. The optimal spoiler configuration was found to be twice the boundary layer thickness in height and angled at 30°, achieving control rates of 58% and 61.90% at low and high velocities, respectively. Predictive models developed from CFD data confirmed the effectiveness of spoilers in reducing YC town's WDN contaminants, and laboratory experiments demonstrated their minimal impact on hydraulic efficiency. Spoilers offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for improving water quality in WDNs.